Peppermint Hot Cocoa Chocolate Mousse Cups Delight

by Ava on June 18, 2025

Experience the joy of winter with my Peppermint Hot Cocoa Chocolate Mousse Cups! This tasty treat combines rich chocolate and cool peppermint for a dessert you’ll love. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home, these cups are easy to make and visually stunning. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful dessert that captures the magic of the season in every bite!

$- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (divided) - 1/2 cup whole milk - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract - A pinch of salt - Whipped cream for topping - Crushed peppermint candies for garnish - Mini marshmallows (optional) Gather these simple ingredients to create your peppermint hot cocoa chocolate mousse cups. Each item plays a key role in building rich flavor and a smooth texture. The heavy whipping cream gives a fluffy base, while the semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a deep chocolate taste. Whole milk keeps the mousse creamy, and granulated sugar adds sweetness. Unsweetened cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor, while pure vanilla and peppermint extracts bring warmth and festive cheer. Don't forget the toppings! Whipped cream adds a light, airy finish. Crushed peppermint candies give a nice crunch and brightness. Mini marshmallows are optional but fun for a cozy touch. With these ingredients, your mousse cups will look and taste amazing! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, combine the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and whole milk in a small saucepan. Use low heat to melt the chocolate. Stir the mixture continuously until it becomes smooth. This step is key for a rich texture. Once melted, take it off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt. This combination adds depth to your mousse. Gradually mix in the cooled chocolate mixture, whisking until it becomes creamy and fully blended. This will form the base of your mousse. Next, take the remaining heavy cream and pour it into a clean bowl. Use a handheld mixer or a whisk to beat the cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip it. You want it to be fluffy, not grainy. This whipped cream adds lightness to your mousse. Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture. Use a spatula for this step. Fold carefully to avoid deflating the whipped cream. Continue folding until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You should not see any streaks of whipped cream in the chocolate. Portion the mousse into dessert cups or small glasses. Cover each cup with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. Chill the cups for at least two hours. This allows the mousse to set firmly, making it easy to enjoy. When you are ready to serve, take the mousse cups out of the fridge. Top each cup with whipped cream. Then, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the top. If you like, add mini marshmallows for extra fun. These toppings make the mousse look festive and delicious. To avoid overwhipping your cream, focus on the signs of a perfect texture. You'll know you’re there when the cream holds soft peaks. This means the cream should look thick but still have a little bounce. If you whip too long, the cream will turn grainy and may turn into butter. Keep your eye on it and stop as soon as it looks fluffy. How you present your mousse cups makes a big difference. Use a decorative tray to serve them. It adds a festive touch. You can even place a peppermint stick in each cup for a fun twist. For extra flair, sprinkle cocoa powder or chocolate shavings around the plate. This makes the dessert look chic and inviting. When folding the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture, use a spatula. It’s important to be gentle. Start by adding a small amount of whipped cream to the chocolate base. Fold it in lightly. Then, gradually add the rest of the whipped cream. This technique keeps the mousse airy. Avoid stirring too hard, as it can deflate the whipped cream. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh heavy cream and high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture in your mousse. Chill Your Tools: For an even fluffier whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator before whipping. Be Gentle When Folding: When combining the whipped cream with the chocolate mixture, use a gentle folding motion to maintain the light and airy texture. Let It Set: Allow the mousse to chill for a full 2 hours or more to achieve the perfect consistency before serving. {{image_4}} You can switch up the flavor of your mousse easily. Try using different extracts. Instead of peppermint, use almond or hazelnut extracts for a unique twist. Just a few drops can change the whole taste. Keep the same base recipe and see what you like best! Toppings can make your mousse even more fun. Instead of whipped cream, use chocolate ganache. This rich topping adds a new layer of flavor. You can also add chocolate shavings or colorful sprinkles for extra flair. Each topping gives a different look and taste to your mousse cups. Want a dairy-free option? It’s simple! Substitute heavy cream and milk with plant-based cream and milk. Almond milk or coconut cream works well. This way, everyone can enjoy your peppermint hot cocoa chocolate mousse cups, regardless of dietary needs. To store your mousse cups, cover each cup with plastic wrap. Place them in the fridge. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Make sure they sit flat to avoid spills. Always chill for at least two hours before serving. This helps the mousse set and taste better. Can you freeze mousse cups? Yes, you can! However, I suggest only freezing for a short time. If you freeze them, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. When you want to enjoy them, move them to the fridge to thaw overnight. This keeps the texture nice and creamy. How long do mousse cups stay fresh? In the fridge, they can last up to four days. After that, they may lose their flavor and texture. If you freeze them, aim to eat them within a month for the best taste. Always check for any changes in smell or look before eating! Yes, you can make these mousse cups ahead of time. Prepare them up to two days before you plan to serve. Store them covered in the fridge. This allows the flavors to blend and the mousse to set well. Just add toppings right before serving for the best taste. You can use coconut cream or full-fat yogurt instead of heavy whipping cream. Coconut cream adds a nice flavor and works well in desserts. Full-fat yogurt gives the mousse a creamy texture but may make it a bit less rich. Both options will change the flavor slightly. To boost the peppermint flavor, add an extra drop of peppermint extract. You can also mix in crushed peppermint candies into the mousse. If you want a lighter flavor, use peppermint-infused whipped cream as a topping. Experiment to find what you enjoy the most! Yes, you can use sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol. These options can keep the mousse sweet without extra calories. Keep in mind, some sugar substitutes may change the texture slightly. Make sure to adjust the amount based on the brand's sweetness. If you don’t have dessert cups, use small glasses or even coffee mugs. You can also layer the mousse in a larger bowl for a shared dessert. Get creative with what you have on hand. Just be sure to chill it well before serving! In this post, we explored how to make delicious Peppermint Hot Cocoa Chocolate Mousse Cups. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Remember to fold gently for a fluffy texture. You can also try different flavors or toppings to make it your own. Keep your mousse chilled for the best taste. With these insights, you’re set to impress friends and family with this sweet treat. Enjoy every creamy bite!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and milk creates a luxurious mouthfeel that melts in your mouth.
Festive Flavor: The addition of peppermint extract brings a refreshing holiday twist that makes this dessert perfect for winter celebrations.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe is accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.
Customizable Toppings: You can personalize each mousse cup with whipped cream, crushed peppermint, or even marshmallows for an extra touch of fun.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 cup heavy whipping cream (divided)

– 1/2 cup whole milk

– 1/3 cup granulated sugar

– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

– A pinch of salt

– Whipped cream for topping

– Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

– Mini marshmallows (optional)

Gather these simple ingredients to create your peppermint hot cocoa chocolate mousse cups. Each item plays a key role in building rich flavor and a smooth texture. The heavy whipping cream gives a fluffy base, while the semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a deep chocolate taste. Whole milk keeps the mousse creamy, and granulated sugar adds sweetness. Unsweetened cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor, while pure vanilla and peppermint extracts bring warmth and festive cheer.

Don’t forget the toppings! Whipped cream adds a light, airy finish. Crushed peppermint candies give a nice crunch and brightness. Mini marshmallows are optional but fun for a cozy touch. With these ingredients, your mousse cups will look and taste amazing!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Melting the Chocolate

To start, combine the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and whole milk in a small saucepan. Use low heat to melt the chocolate. Stir the mixture continuously until it becomes smooth. This step is key for a rich texture. Once melted, take it off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

Preparing the Cocoa Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt. This combination adds depth to your mousse. Gradually mix in the cooled chocolate mixture, whisking until it becomes creamy and fully blended. This will form the base of your mousse.

Whipping the Cream

Next, take the remaining heavy cream and pour it into a clean bowl. Use a handheld mixer or a whisk to beat the cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip it. You want it to be fluffy, not grainy. This whipped cream adds lightness to your mousse.

Folding the Mixtures Together

Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture. Use a spatula for this step. Fold carefully to avoid deflating the whipped cream. Continue folding until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You should not see any streaks of whipped cream in the chocolate.

Chilling the Mousse

Portion the mousse into dessert cups or small glasses. Cover each cup with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. Chill the cups for at least two hours. This allows the mousse to set firmly, making it easy to enjoy.

Serving the Mousse Cups

When you are ready to serve, take the mousse cups out of the fridge. Top each cup with whipped cream. Then, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the top. If you like, add mini marshmallows for extra fun. These toppings make the mousse look festive and delicious.

Tips & Tricks

Avoiding Overwhipping

To avoid overwhipping your cream, focus on the signs of a perfect texture. You’ll know you’re there when the cream holds soft peaks. This means the cream should look thick but still have a little bounce. If you whip too long, the cream will turn grainy and may turn into butter. Keep your eye on it and stop as soon as it looks fluffy.

Presentation Suggestions

How you present your mousse cups makes a big difference. Use a decorative tray to serve them. It adds a festive touch. You can even place a peppermint stick in each cup for a fun twist. For extra flair, sprinkle cocoa powder or chocolate shavings around the plate. This makes the dessert look chic and inviting.

Ensuring Fluffy Texture

When folding the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture, use a spatula. It’s important to be gentle. Start by adding a small amount of whipped cream to the chocolate base. Fold it in lightly. Then, gradually add the rest of the whipped cream. This technique keeps the mousse airy. Avoid stirring too hard, as it can deflate the whipped cream.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh heavy cream and high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture in your mousse.
Chill Your Tools: For an even fluffier whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator before whipping.
Be Gentle When Folding: When combining the whipped cream with the chocolate mixture, use a gentle folding motion to maintain the light and airy texture.
Let It Set: Allow the mousse to chill for a full 2 hours or more to achieve the perfect consistency before serving.

Variations

Alternative Flavorings

You can switch up the flavor of your mousse easily. Try using different extracts. Instead of peppermint, use almond or hazelnut extracts for a unique twist. Just a few drops can change the whole taste. Keep the same base recipe and see what you like best!

Topping Variations

Toppings can make your mousse even more fun. Instead of whipped cream, use chocolate ganache. This rich topping adds a new layer of flavor. You can also add chocolate shavings or colorful sprinkles for extra flair. Each topping gives a different look and taste to your mousse cups.

Dietary Adjustments

Want a dairy-free option? It’s simple! Substitute heavy cream and milk with plant-based cream and milk. Almond milk or coconut cream works well. This way, everyone can enjoy your peppermint hot cocoa chocolate mousse cups, regardless of dietary needs.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store your mousse cups, cover each cup with plastic wrap. Place them in the fridge. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Make sure they sit flat to avoid spills. Always chill for at least two hours before serving. This helps the mousse set and taste better.

Freezing Instructions

Can you freeze mousse cups? Yes, you can! However, I suggest only freezing for a short time. If you freeze them, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. When you want to enjoy them, move them to the fridge to thaw overnight. This keeps the texture nice and creamy.

Shelf Life

How long do mousse cups stay fresh? In the fridge, they can last up to four days. After that, they may lose their flavor and texture. If you freeze them, aim to eat them within a month for the best taste. Always check for any changes in smell or look before eating!

FAQs

Can I make Peppermint Hot Cocoa Chocolate Mousse Cups in advance?

Yes, you can make these mousse cups ahead of time. Prepare them up to two days before you plan to serve. Store them covered in the fridge. This allows the flavors to blend and the mousse to set well. Just add toppings right before serving for the best taste.

What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?

You can use coconut cream or full-fat yogurt instead of heavy whipping cream. Coconut cream adds a nice flavor and works well in desserts. Full-fat yogurt gives the mousse a creamy texture but may make it a bit less rich. Both options will change the flavor slightly.

How do I add more peppermint flavor?

To boost the peppermint flavor, add an extra drop of peppermint extract. You can also mix in crushed peppermint candies into the mousse. If you want a lighter flavor, use peppermint-infused whipped cream as a topping. Experiment to find what you enjoy the most!

Can I use sugar substitutes?

Yes, you can use sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol. These options can keep the mousse sweet without extra calories. Keep in mind, some sugar substitutes may change the texture slightly. Make sure to adjust the amount based on the brand’s sweetness.

What if I don’t have dessert cups?

If you don’t have dessert cups, use small glasses or even coffee mugs. You can also layer the mousse in a larger bowl for a shared dessert. Get creative with what you have on hand. Just be sure to chill it well before serving!

In this post, we explored how to make delicious Peppermint Hot Cocoa Chocolate Mousse Cups. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Remember to fold gently for a fluffy texture. You can also try different flavors or toppings to make it your own. Keep your mousse chilled for the best taste. With these insights, you’re set to impress friends and family with this sweet treat. Enjoy every creamy bit

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Chocolate Mousse Cups

Deliciously creamy chocolate mousse infused with peppermint, served in charming cups.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 10

Total Time 2 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup heavy whipping cream (divided)
1/2 cup whole milk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 pinch salt
to taste whipped cream for topping
to taste crushed peppermint candies for garnish
optional mini marshmallows

Instructions

In a small saucepan set over low heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, and the milk. Stir continuously until the chocolate melts completely and becomes smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, pure vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Gradually pour in the cooled chocolate and cream mixture, whisking until creamy and fully blended.
In a clean bowl, beat the remaining 1 cup of heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip; the texture should be fluffy.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream. Continue folding until fully incorporated and smooth, with no streaks of whipped cream remaining.
Evenly divide the chocolate mousse into dessert cups or small glasses. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set firmly.
When ready to serve, remove the mousse cups from the refrigerator. Top each with whipped cream, sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies, and add mini marshmallows if desired.

Notes

For an extra holiday touch, add a peppermint stick to each cup.

Keyword chocolate mousse, holiday dessert, peppermint